Our Preferred IoT Pro Products
The Cobham Explorer 323 is designed for mobile applications; for example an autonomous vehicle or heavy machinery. It can use either Go-anywhere Pro or IoT Pro airtime depending on the requirement application.
464Kbps
connection speed
99.9%
availability
<2s
latency
Viasat Coverage Map
With four geostationary satellites providing global coverage, Viasat IoT Pro service offers uninterrupted connectivity in any location (except extreme polar regions). Offering the highest payload and lowest latency of any store-and-forward L-band satellite service, its able to support data volumes ranging megabytes to gigabytes.
From real-time surveillance to high-volume telemetry, IoT Pro delivers robust two-way IP data connectivity with remote terminal management capabilities. Its lightweight and robust hardware make it a plug-and-play solution for a wide range of M2M and IoT applications.
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IoT Pro Service Plans and Pricing
For more information about our IoT Pro Service Plans, please visit our dedicated IoT Pro airtime page.
Comparing Satellite IoT Connectivity
It’s tricky to compare airtime services because so much depends on how much data you need to send, but as a rough guide, we’ve put together the following comparison points. Get in touch if you’d like any help deciding what will work best for you.
IoT Pro FAQs
IoT Pro is suitable for applications that require reliable and resilient machine-to-machine connectivity, in remote or harsh environments. Supporting applications with data volumes ranging from megabytes to gigabytes, some common examples include:
• IP SCADA for data backhaul
• Telemetry & SCADA
• Well head and pipeline monitoring
• Monitoring and controlling extraction and distribution of equipment
• Smart grid, smart metering (concentrator backhaul) and recloser control
• Railways for trackside monitoring and crossings
• Remote video surveillance, telemetry and tracking
• Road signage
• Weather and environmental monitoring
• Emergency response communications
• Mobile connectivity for field operations
For more ideas, you can also read all of our case studies leveraging the IoT Pro service.
IoT Pro data transmission is handled by a network of four satellites in geostationary orbit. Utilising a two-way IP data service, it enables reliable and secure communication between the remote M2M devices and the central server or control centre.
IoT Pro operates on a store-and-forward principle. Data is collected from the remote M2M devices and stored in the terminal before being transmitted to the central server or control centre via satellite. This ensures reliable delivery of data even in areas with intermittent or unstable connectivity. Data rates and volume do vary depending on chosen terminal, but can achieve send rates of up to 448kbps with latency from 800 milliseconds – assuring near real-time visibility of critical data.
IoT Pro devices are designed to operate with minimal power, but a stable power source is essential. Power supply options vary based on the device and application, but can include direct connection to a power outlet, battery power, or solar solutions. Companies must consider available power supply when choosing their IoT Pro terminal as different devices have varying power requirements. For example, the Hughes 9502 consumes only 3W during transmission, while the Cobham Explorer 323 requires 27W. So it’s vital to select a device that aligns with the available power capacity or implement effective power management strategies.
Though many IoT Pro devices are built to withstand harsh conditions, when considering installation options businesses should consider environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and potential physical hazards. Proper installation, with unobstructed line-of-sight to one of Viasat’s I-4 satellites is key for optimal performance. This may involve mounting IoT Pro terminals and/or antennas, on poles or buildings.
Yes, IoT Pro devices can be easily integrated with existing IoT infrastructure. Devices support standard IP connectivity, making it straightforward to establish communication with other IoT devices and systems. They can transmit and receive data using common IoT protocols such as MQTT or HTTP, enabling interoperability and data exchange with your existing infrastructure.
IoT Pro terminals provide a simple Ethernet interface for connecting to a machine/device or IoT gateway, and depending on your security requirements, inter-connectivity can also be achieved – using a cloud-based service, VPN or even custom APNs. To discuss your specific set up and requirements further, please get in touch via hello@groundcontrol.com and our Architecture Team will assist.
Satellite data traffic is already relatively secure. However Ground Control offers several additional layers of security for our IoT Pro subscribers; including firewall controls, data encryption, VPNs and private network solution via MPLS installation or leased-lines.
To find out more, simply see IoT Pro Firewall Traffic Rules or contact the team at sales@groundcontrol.com to talk through your options.
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If you'd like some impartial advice on the best device and airtime for your IoT connectivity requirements, get in touch; with 20 years' experience there isn't much we don't know about satellite IoT connectivity and devices!